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Smarter Shopping: What to Nab During Xmas Sales (and What to Skip)

The signs are everywhere: 50% Off! 60% Off! Sale of the Year! End of The Year Sale! I'm talking Christmas sales. With offer after offer from stores enticing us to come in and spend our money on their stuff, it isn't hard to get swept up in the madness. Those the thoughts of saving a few bucks start swirling in your head, creating that giddy felling like you've had one too many cups of egg nog. Before you swipe that credit card, there are some things you should and shouldn't put in that shopping cart!

What to buy:

Christmas decorations -- Definitely keep an eye out for any Santa mugs or snowflake ornaments you may want for next year, but there may be better sales after December 25. If you can't make it to stores during those post holiday sales, then snag what you want now.

Toys and craft sets -- With so many deals in the kids' fun department, think about what birthdays may be coming up in the next few months and get them taken care of while the prices are low.

Wrapping paper and ribbons -- Plain colored wrapping paper and ribbons are always needed year-round. If there's a big sale sign, stock up on all of your wrapping needs.

What not to buy:

Sheets -- Though many department stores are knocking prices on everything, weekend "White Sales" during other parts of the year are usually better for those sheet sets, comforters, and pillows.

Furniture -- Again, you may be attracted to that 25% off tag hanging from the dining set or couch, but chances are there will be deeper discounts on furniture during another part of the year.

Help me add to this list: what do you buy during Christmas sales? What do you skip?

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